Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ll absolutely adore this Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe. Tender, juicy strips of beef paired with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta whirl together in a luscious, creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce that’s rich but never overwhelming. The combination of savory beef and silky sauce creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s surprisingly simple to make and sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is key to nailing the flavor and texture of this dish. Each one plays a role in building layers of taste, from the succulent beef and aromatic garlic to the creamy cheese and perfectly al dente pasta.
- 1 pound beef strips (such as flank steak or sirloin): Provides tender, flavorful protein that’s the star of the dish.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the richness.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Adds a subtle heat and depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a fragrant herbaceous twist that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the beef to develop a beautiful crust and rich flavor.
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta: Its shape catches the creamy sauce and creates perfect bite-sized portions.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base of our silky Alfredo sauce, giving it a smooth mouthfeel.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and savory depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety texture that defines an Alfredo sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the cream.
How to Make Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your bowtie pasta and cook it until it reaches that perfect al dente stage where it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Don’t forget to reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water—about 1/4 cup—as it will help you adjust the sauce texture later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to absorb all that creamy goodness.
Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Beef
Pat the beef strips dry to ensure they sear nicely, then season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning for that balanced herb flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the beef. Sear it until deeply browned and cooked through, about four to five minutes, flipping as needed. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate to rest—this keeps it juicy and ready to combine with your sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same pot used for your pasta, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. This adds richness right from the start. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant—just about 30 seconds—to release its wonderful aroma without burning. Next, carefully pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly, which forms the luscious base of your Alfredo sauce.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Season
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly so it melts completely into the cream. Keep stirring until you achieve a smooth, glossy sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper to make sure every bite is perfectly seasoned. If the sauce feels thicker than you want, whisk in the reserved pasta water little by little until the right consistency coats your pasta beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Warm Through
Now it’s the best part: fold your cooked bowtie pasta and seared beef strips right into the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss everything together so each piece is generously coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce. Keep it on low heat for a minute or two to heat through and allow those wonderful flavors to meld before serving.
How to Serve Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe, fresh garnishes are a fantastic touch. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness. A little extra grated Parmesan can also add that irresistible cheesy finish right before serving.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add vibrant textures and brighten the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe even more impressive? Serve it in warmed shallow bowls to keep the dish cozy. For a rustic touch, a wooden serving board with fresh bread on the side invites everyone to dig in. Or, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy textures perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the creamy texture, give it a gentle stir before refrigerating and cool it quickly once cooked to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
Although Alfredo sauce can sometimes separate when frozen, you can freeze this dish for up to one month if needed. Cool the dish completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftover Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe back to life, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if it feels too thick or dry. Microwaving works too, but stir every 30 seconds to ensure even warming and prevent curdling.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin work great for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak. Just be mindful of cook times since different cuts vary in how quickly they become tender.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
If you want to skip the beef, try substituting with sautéed mushrooms or a medley of roasted vegetables. They add umami and texture that complement the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
Is bowtie pasta the only pasta I can use?
Not at all! While bowtie pasta is perfect for holding onto the sauce, penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni would work wonderfully in this recipe as well. Choose your favorite shape and enjoy.
How do I make the sauce less heavy?
You can lighten the Alfredo sauce by substituting half the heavy cream with whole milk or using a lighter cheese. Just keep in mind the sauce might be less rich and creamy but still delicious.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and slice the beef ahead, and even cook the pasta in advance. Just keep them separate and combine with the sauce right before serving to keep everything fresh and perfectly textured.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe is pure comfort food at its finest, bringing together tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s so easy to fall in love with. It’s a dish that feels special but is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of those go-to recipes you’re excited to make again and again.
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Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy Beef and Bowtie Alfredo recipe combining tender seared beef strips with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta in a smooth Parmesan Alfredo sauce. This comforting dish comes together quickly for a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 pound beef strips (such as flank steak or sirloin)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta carefully and set aside.
- Prepare Beef: Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef strips until well browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same pot used for the pasta, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring consistently to avoid scorching.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, slowly whisk in the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Combine and Heat Through: Add the cooked beef strips and the drained bowtie pasta back into the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss or fold the ingredients to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Warm the entire dish together for 1-2 minutes until heated through, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to adjust sauce consistency and enhance creaminess.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
- You can substitute beef strips with chicken or shrimp if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
